Makita Circular Saw Review
The Makita XSH06PT 18V X2 LXT (36V) cordless circular saw is worth buying if you already own Makita 18V LXT batteries and want corded-saw cutting power for framing, sheathing, or deck work away from an outlet. The main tradeoff is weight and cost: running two batteries at once makes it noticeably heavier than a single-battery cordless saw, and the kit price mainly reflects two 5.0Ah batteries and a charger rather than the bare tool alone.
Quick answer
The Makita XSH06PT pairs two 18V LXT 5.0Ah batteries to drive a brushless motor at up to 6,000 RPM, matching Makita's corded 7-1/4 inch saws for framing and sheet goods. It cuts 2-9/16 inches at 90 degrees and bevels to 56 degrees. It fits Makita 18V LXT owners who want cordless mobility without giving up cut depth or speed.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- Cross-checked manufacturer-published specifications before writing any recommendation
- Verified US market availability and configuration for every model discussed
- Owner-feedback themes are summarized as feedback, never presented as our own hands-on testing
- No invented star ratings; see the visible Research Score criteria on this page
- Checked accessory compatibility and guarding before ranking any cutting or grinding tool
- We cross-check Makita's published no-load speed, bevel range, and cut-depth figures against the tool's official specification sheet before listing them here, since circular saw capacity numbers vary meaningfully between corded and cordless generations of the same brand.
Research updated September 2026.
Makita XSH06PT 18V X2 LXT (36V) Cordless 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw Kit
ReviewedPros
- Brushless motor and dual 18V batteries deliver corded-saw cutting speed without a power cord
- 56 degree bevel range with stops at the two most common framing angles speeds up angled cuts
- Kit includes a dual-port charger so both LXT batteries recharge at the same time
Cons
- Running two batteries at once adds noticeable weight compared to a single-battery cordless saw
- The X2 (36V) platform only pays off if you already own or plan to buy into Makita's 18V LXT battery lineup
The XSH06PT is Makita's flagship cordless circular saw, wiring two 18V LXT batteries in series to deliver 36V to a brushless motor. It spins the 7-1/4 inch blade at up to 6,000 RPM, which Makita positions as equivalent to its corded 5007MG saw for ripping dimensional lumber and cutting sheet goods. Cutting capacity is 2-9/16 inches at 90 degrees and 1-15/16 inches at 45 degrees, with positive stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees and a bevel range extending to 56 degrees for angled work. The kit ships with two BL1850B 5.0Ah batteries and a DC18RD dual-port rapid charger, so both batteries can charge at the same time between cuts. An electric brake stops the blade almost immediately after the trigger releases, and a built-in LED light helps illuminate the cut line in dim conditions.
Real-World Notes
Owner-feedback themes for Makita's X2 circular saws consistently mention cut speed that keeps up with corded saws and praise the electric brake for jobsite safety, while some owners note the added weight from carrying two batteries during long overhead cuts. A recurring theme is that buyers already invested in Makita's 18V LXT system see the best value, since the batteries in this kit also power other tools in that lineup.
Alternatives Worth a Look
- Makita 5007MG - a corded 7-1/4 inch magnesium circular saw for shops and job sites with steady power access and no battery cost
- DeWalt DCS578X1 FlexVolt cordless circular saw - a 60V max cordless option for buyers already invested in DeWalt's FlexVolt battery platform
- Makita 5477NB worm drive saw - a corded option for framers who prefer worm-drive gearing and left-side blade visibility
Who Should Consider Something Else
Buyers who only need a saw for occasional home repairs are better served by a corded saw like the Makita 5007MG, since it costs less upfront and never needs charging. Anyone already committed to a different 18V or 20V battery platform should look at that brand's comparable cordless saw instead of starting a second battery system.
FAQs
Should I trust the specifications listed on marketplace listings on their own?
Marketplace listings can lag behind Makita's official spec sheet or mix up bare-tool and kit configurations, so cut depth, bevel range, and battery details should be checked against Makita's published documentation rather than a retailer listing alone.
Does ToolBuyerHub test every product hands-on before reviewing it?
No, this review is built from Makita's manufacturer-published specifications and recurring owner-feedback themes rather than an in-house test, and that sourcing is stated directly so readers know where the information comes from.
How often is this review checked for accuracy?
The listed specifications and kit contents are rechecked whenever Makita updates the XSH06 line or revises a configuration, since cordless circular saw kits are periodically refreshed with new battery amp-hour ratings.
Is the XSH06PT worth buying if I don't already own Makita 18V batteries?
Probably not as a first Makita purchase, since most of the kit price covers two 5.0Ah batteries and a charger. It makes more sense once those batteries can also run other tools in Makita's 18V LXT lineup.
Our verdict
The Makita XSH06PT earns a strong recommendation for anyone already inside Makita's 18V LXT ecosystem who wants a cordless saw capable of framing and sheet-good work without giving up cut speed or depth. Its brushless motor, 56 degree bevel range, and dual rapid charger make it a genuine corded-saw replacement rather than a lighter-duty compromise. Buyers with no existing battery investment or only occasional cutting needs will get more value from a corded saw like the Makita 5007MG.